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Blue Bottle Baristas Strike Over Thanksgiving Weekend: A Year-Long Battle for Fair Wages and Working Conditions

Blue Bottle Baristas Strike Over Thanksgiving Weekend: A Year-Long Battle for Fair Wages and Working Conditions

Unionized baristas at Blue Bottle Coffee, a popular coffee chain owned by Nestle, staged a multi-day strike over the Thanksgiving shopping weekend. The walkout, organized by the Blue Bottle Independent Union (BBIU), affected nine cafes in Boston and California's East Bay, with workers demanding a living wage, predictable scheduling, and stronger protections against harassment and arbitrary discipline. The strike intensified a year-long contract fight between the baristas and Blue Bottle Coffee. According to a Harvard Crimson report, the BBIU is seeking a starting wage of $30 an hour in Boston based on the MIT Living Wage Calculator. This demand comes…
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Nestlé Ponders Over Potential Sale of Blue Bottle Coffee: A Shift in the Specialty Coffee Landscape?

Nestlé Ponders Over Potential Sale of Blue Bottle Coffee: A Shift in the Specialty Coffee Landscape?

Swiss giant Nestlé, known for its vast coffee portfolio, is reportedly considering offloading Blue Bottle Coffee. According to Reuters, three anonymous sources confirm that Nestlé is working with an investment bank to assess various options, including a potential sale of Blue Bottle. This move comes as no surprise given the trend towards consolidation in the specialty coffee sector. Established in Oakland, California, Blue Bottle Coffee was acquired by Nestlé in 2017 for around $700 million, causing a stir in the world of specialty coffee. The deal marked another step in the big-money consolidation trend that has been sweeping through craft-focused…
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Pinewood Coffee Co. Expands its Roots Beyond Nashville’s Pinewood Social

Pinewood Coffee Co. Expands its Roots Beyond Nashville’s Pinewood Social

Pinewood Coffee Co., the coffee roasting arm of the multi-faceted hospitality group behind Nashville's iconic Pinewood Social, is branching out with a dedicated space within the Monarch Showroom for luxury vehicles. The new venture promises wholesale and direct-to-consumer sales, led by industry veteran Robbie Meton, who brings years of experience from Barista Parlor, Good Citizen Coffee Company, and Steadfast Coffee. The Pinewood Coffee Co. roastery is launching with four blends, five single-origins, and one decaf, all meticulously crafted on a Roest S100 before larger batches are produced using a Loring S15 Falcon roaster. Green coffees hail from reputable importers such…
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The Real Deal on DeLonghi Stilosa: A Budget Espresso Machine That Delivers

The Real Deal on DeLonghi Stilosa: A Budget Espresso Machine That Delivers

You don't need to break the bank to enjoy a quality espresso at home. Meet the De'Longhi Stilosa, an entry-level brewer that punches above its weight. At first glance, it may seem like any other budget machine, but after spending some quality time with it, we can confirm that it offers more than meets the eye. Let's dive in to find out why it's a great choice for espresso beginners looking to save a few bucks without compromising on flavor. The Stilosa (also known as De'Longhi EC260BK) is the most basic of De'Longhi's espresso machines, but it's the long-awaited successor…
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Master the Art of Cappuccino at Home: Impress Your Guests with This Step-by-Step Guide

Master the Art of Cappuccino at Home: Impress Your Guests with This Step-by-Step Guide

Cappuccinos, the beloved combination of espresso, steamed milk, and frothy foam, are a staple in coffee culture. Instead of heading to your local café every time you crave one, learn how to make it at home with this comprehensive guide. With an espresso machine, you can create cafe-quality cappuccinos right in your kitchen. The secret to making the perfect cappuccino lies in the balance between espresso, steamed milk, and foam. A traditional cappuccino has a 1:1:1 ratio, consisting of equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and foam. You can use one or two shots of espresso depending on your preference, with…
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Master the Balanced Flavor of a Cortado: A Guide for Coffee Connoisseurs

Master the Balanced Flavor of a Cortado: A Guide for Coffee Connoisseurs

If you're a coffee lover and haven't yet tried a cortado, you're missing out. This 50/50 blend of espresso and steamed milk is a game-changer in the world of specialty coffees. Let's dive into the origins, characteristics, and differences between the cortado and other popular café classics. The cortado hails from the Basque region of Spain and translates to "to cut," as the espresso is balanced by an equal amount of milk. The drink is typically made with a 2-ounce double shot of espresso and 2 ounces of lightly warmed milk. Its name was popularized in San Francisco's Blue Bottle…
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Unleashing the Science of Coffee with Tia Grahn of MNEN Coffee

Unleashing the Science of Coffee with Tia Grahn of MNEN Coffee

Barista, academic, entrepreneur—Tia Grahn wears many hats. Based in Helsinki, she's transformed her passion for coffee into a career that defies convention, delving deep into its science, competition, and entrepreneurial realm. With over eight years in the specialty coffee industry, Tia has earned two Finnish championship titles (2024 Finnish Cup Tasters Championship and Finnish Moccamaster Championship), published research on brewing water's impact on coffee, and contributed to Coffee People Zine. Yet, her most significant achievement might be her drive to remain a curious explorer of coffee—a trait that sets her apart in the industry. Growing up with a love for…
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Discovering the Best Coffee Subscription for Your Home Brewing Journey

Discovering the Best Coffee Subscription for Your Home Brewing Journey

Ready to elevate your home brewing game? A coffee subscription is an excellent way to expand your coffee palate and enjoy freshly roasted beans delivered straight to your doorstep. But with so many options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. Here's a guide to help you find the perfect match for your taste and brewing style. First things first: understand what each subscription offers. Option #1: Same roaster, same coffee - This option is ideal for espresso lovers who want consistency in their daily brew without having to experiment with different beans every month. It's simple,…
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The Rise of a Friendship-Fueled Winning Specialty Café in Rosenheim, Germany

The Rise of a Friendship-Fueled Winning Specialty Café in Rosenheim, Germany

In May 2024, two creative souls, Lukas Tralmer and Viktor Walther, transformed their friendship into an award-winning specialty café named 08 COFFEE. The duo, who met in Paris in 2015, brought a piece of their unique bond to Rosenheim, a Bavarian town that was soon to experience the magic of high-quality coffee and contemporary baked goods. The name "08" is a testament to the month that forged their friendship. Every August since 2017, they traveled together, exploring Iceland, Costa Rica, Korea, Turkey, and more. These trips were marked by laughter, adventures, and memories that strengthened their bond. "It's the month…
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Finding Home and Purpose Behind the Bar: Olga Kolarz of Companion Tea & Coffee, Berlin

Finding Home and Purpose Behind the Bar: Olga Kolarz of Companion Tea & Coffee, Berlin

Meet Olga Kolarz, a barista who's made a home in Berlin for over six years at Companion Tea & Coffee. Her story is one of resilience, connection, and quiet leadership - a testament to the transformative power of coffee. Originally from Toruń, Poland, Olga found in coffee more than just a career; it was a means to build her community in a city that can often feel transient. As the café's manager, she guides new team members and fosters an atmosphere where people feel seen and appreciated. The regulars who have been returning for years, still ordering their familiar drinks,…
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